Fight Brews Among Utilities in Illinois

States Weigh Controls
Amid Rising Prices;
Firms' Responses Differ

Many states moved to deregulate their power markets a decade ago in the hopes that competition would lead to greater efficiency and lower power bills.

But with electricity bills now surging, an increasing number of those states are considering legislation that would reverse many elements of deregulation. As a brewing fight in Illinois shows, that has created divisions among utilities on how to respond.